Cashmere Council weighs options for covering $91,000 law enforcement cost increase

CASHMERE — The Cashmere City Council is considering options to cover a proposed $91,000 increase in its 2026 law enforcement contract with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, a 15.2% hike over current costs.

The proposal, discussed at the council’s July 28 meeting, would raise the city’s law enforcement budget to cover 2.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) deputies. The sheriff’s office projects additional 4% annual increases through 2029.

Sheriff Mike Morrison previously told the council that rising wages, benefits, vehicle costs, fuel and overtime are driving the increases. Morrison also reported a $4.4 million county budget shortfall and said he has been asked to operate at 2023 funding levels.

Mayor Jim Fletcher outlined two main options for addressing the increase: reducing coverage to 2 FTE deputies to keep costs near current levels, or implementing a 0.1% criminal justice sales tax. Fletcher said the tax would require county approval and could only be used for criminal justice purposes. City staff are uncertain whether the tax could be enacted legislatively or would require a public vote.

Council member John Perry noted a separate 5% increase in jail service costs. Fletcher said cuts to non-essential services such as parks or the city pool could offset the law enforcement increase but would impact quality of life. He also suggested using city reserves temporarily but said it was not a sustainable long-term solution.

Council member Sheila Pistoresi asked about reducing sheriff’s services and supplementing coverage with private security, as Leavenworth does. City Clerk-Treasurer Kay Jones said the city must finalize the CCSO contract by year’s end to prepare the 2026 budget.

Fletcher said he will meet with Chelan County Administrator Cathy Mulhall to discuss Cashmere’s financial situation and potential options.

In other business, the council unanimously approved a personal services contract with Lynn Bourton to provide on-call human resources work. Fletcher said Bourton brings about 30 years of HR experience, including union negotiations, and will help update the employee handbook and develop consistent disciplinary procedures.

The council also will revisit a Humane Society contract at its August meeting. Fletcher reported he will meet with the state Department of Health to determine next steps for repairing or replacing the city pool’s filter system, which failed earlier this summer, leading to two hospitalizations.